The Ultimate Outdoor Living Tips and Tricks Quiz

Many people put a lot of thought into the interior design of their houses, but planning a garden, yard or deck can be equally important. There may be no greater pleasure than sitting outside your house and simply enjoying nature. See how much you've learned about designing your outdoor space by taking this quiz.

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Question 1 of 15

What type of flower pots should you not leave outside during a cold winter?

terra-cotta

Clay pots can be damaged and might crack after exposure to continually freezing and thawing moisture in the winter.

stone

concrete

Question 2 of 15

When should you prune azaleas?

right after flowering

If you wait too long to prune your azaleas, you run the risk of damaging the buds themselves during the pruning process.

one month after the buds have opened

whenever they get too overgrown

Question 3 of 15

What is a useful aid in designing a flower bed with a curve?

a garden hose

By placing the garden hose on the ground and arranging it into the curve you like you can pre-visualize the edge of the flower bed you want.

a trench

a leveling tool

Question 4 of 15

What type of edge should you avoid in your flower bed?

one with many sharp curves

A few soft curves are better for flower beds than multiple sharp ones.

a gentle convex curve

a single S-shaped curve

Question 5 of 15

What is a benefit of larger planters over smaller ones?

The soil takes longer to dry out.

With extra soil and more space, large planters retain water longer. Additionally, large planters can provide more room for future growth.

They are less expensive.

They keep plants warmer.

Question 6 of 15

What should you be careful to avoid until the roots of a plant fill in a larger planter?

over-watering the plants

With more fully developed roots, it is easier for the plants to be overwatered, so you must be extra careful to avoid doing this.

putting different types of plants in the same planter

leaving them in an area with fluctuating temperatures

Question 7 of 15

Why would you put a window in a garden fence, instead of removing the fence entirely?

to provide a selective view

If much of your yard is unattractive, but there are parts that are nice, you can block the bad and focus on the good by putting a window in your fence.

to maintain privacy

to meet zoning ordinances

Question 8 of 15

How can you make your outdoor deck more visually appealing?

by varying the size or placement of the planks

Most decks have planks of uniform size running straight across from one side to the other. But you can also place them diagonally or in right angles to each other, or can use planks of differing sizes.

by staining it a very dark color

by planting a flower garden on part of it

Question 9 of 15

How can you improve the look of your pergola?

by planting a vine next to it

A nice vine can look quite natural on a pergola without interfering with the structure's purpose.

by closing the roof in

by placing screens in all of the open spaces

Question 10 of 15

What should you consider when choosing where to place garden furniture?

the view

When you have a lovely garden, furniture can give you the place from which to enjoy it. Make sure the seating provides you with a nice view.

how close it is to the house

when it will be shaded

Question 11 of 15

What else can you accomplish by placing your garden furniture in specific spots?

You can draw the viewers eye along a certain route through the garden.

By placing your furniture at a series of focal points throughout your garden, you can create a visual path for anyone who looks at it.

You can create better air flow through the garden.

You can protect plants from pests.

Question 12 of 15

What is "moonlighting" in terms of garden design?

hanging a lamp high up in a tree to light from overhead

A high light in the trees can simulate the feel that a bright moon typically provides, even on nights when the moon is small or hidden behind clouds.